Schools to stay shut to all children for rest of the week

The situation will be reviewed throughout the week.

Civil Contingencies Authority chairman Deputy Peter Ferbrache said all efforts in the coming days and weeks will be in preventing further cases, which is why the decision had been made.

Cases have continued to be identified in education settings, but parents are again asked not to contact Public Health.

The scheduling team will contact relevant student groups and staff at schools where cases have been confirmed to book them in for tests, if these are required.

However, if parents or children develop symptoms, they should contact the clinical helpline on 756938 or 756969 or contact their GP.

For more information about symptoms visit covid19.gov.gg/guidance/symptoms.

Director of Public Health Dr Nicola Brink said the continued identification of cases in education settings remains a cause for concern.

‘Keeping education sites closed to all students is an important measure as we remain focused on our principal objective of trying to stop the rapid transmission of Covid-19,’ she said.

‘We are acutely aware of the impact for vulnerable students currently unable to be in school and for those parents who are essential staff and we as a community need to be in work.’

While it is difficult to be able to state with any certainty what next week will bring, the States is examining all options to try and get sites open as quickly as possible, and in the safest way possible, to support vulnerable students and the children of essential workers.

All sites where cases have been confirmed are being deep-cleaned and schools and the college will continue rolling the soft start to distance learning.

Schools will be in touch with parents to provide relevant materials, although it is important to note that this distance learning will not seek to replicate a normal school day.